Despite the rut that Indian football is currently facing, the name of Sunil Chhetri will remain constant among fans of the sport in the country. With an impending ban from FIFA looming over the horizon, India stands a chance to lose the rights to host the U-17 women's World Cup, set to take place in October-November 2022, due to third-party influence. As of now, the Committee of Administrators appointed by the Supreme Court has started proceedings for the election that is set to take place on August 28.
And with the future of Indian football still not clear, the national team captain and Indian footballing legend Chhetri has advised the young guns from his club side Bengaluru FC to not worry too much about the situation. "I've spoken to the boys and my advice is to not give it too much attention because it is out of your control," Chhetri said during a virtual media interaction organized by Bengaluru FC ahead of the new season.
Chhetri added that the people in the administration are looking to sort out the situation to the best of their efforts. ''People who are involved are doing their best to make sure that we are going to come out with the best results possible. Everyone is working hard towards it. As far as players are concerned we are going to make sure that we do our work properly", the Indian captain said.
But the legend has advised the youngsters to put these issues to the side and make the most of their opportunities whenever given the chance. "We have to make sure you better yourself as a player. Whenever you get an opportunity to represent your club or your country, put your best foot forward. All other verticals in the AIFF are trying to fix as much as possible to make sure that they come out with flying colours,'' Chhetri said.
His next challenge will be the Durand Cup, where Bengaluru FC will take on Jamshedpur FC on August 16. Bengaluru FC have won tons of silverware since coming to their formation in 2013, but the Durand Cup trophy is missing from their cabinet. They will be keen on getting their hands on the trophy as Chhetri also deemed the tournament 'very, very special' to him.
"It's very, very special. It is one of the oldest tournaments which in itself is very big. But more so for me. As a club, we have not won and individually I've not won the Durand Cup. I've been fortunate to win a lot of tournaments, almost all the tournaments that one can in India, and the Durand Cup is missing," said Chhetri for the Durand Cup.
